By VANESSA VALENZUELA
KEILOR MP Natalie Hutchins has slammed a new report for failing to meet the growing needs of residents in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
The report, Inquiry into Liveability Options in Outer Suburban Melbourne, was tabled in parliament by the Outer Suburban/Interface Services Committee (OSISDC) last month.
The inquiry reveals a range of options for enhancing the liveability of Melbourne’s outer suburbs and was prepared after receiving over 80 written submissions and evidence from 45 organisations including local councils, residents, traders associations and health providers.
The committee’s findings state the delayed provision of infrastructure in Melbourne’s growth areas has “increased the demands placed upon the available infrastructure in Melbourne’s established outer, middle and inner ring suburbs and has a negative impact on liveability throughout metropolitan Melbourne.”
Despite being on the committee which prepared the report, Ms Hutchins alongside Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley, submitted a minority report to address aspects that are “cause for concern”.
“Unfortunately this report fails in delivering real outcomes on transport as there is no recommendation relating to the direct need for immediate expenditure on public transport needs in the outer suburbs,” Ms Hutchins said.
The minority report accuses the inquiry of being “incomplete” with a “cut and paste nature” which fails to address the issues dealt with by the committee.
“There was an avoidance of any direct mention of funding in the recommendations, and a lack of commitment to the preservation of the outer suburbs precious green wedge areas,” Ms Hutchins said.
“There is also an emphasis on shifting responsibility onto federal and local government that amounts to little more than buck-passing.”
Ms Hutchins said she believes residents of the outer suburbs should be treated fairly so they could enjoy the benefits of living in Melbourne.
